Intussusception

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Intussusception is a serious disorder in which part of the intestine slides into an adjacent part of the intestine. This "telescoping" often blocks food or fluid from passing through. Intussusception also cuts off the blood supply to the part of the intestine that's affected. Intussusception can lead to a tear in the bowel (perforation), infection and death of bowel tissue. Intussusception is the most common cause of intestinal obstruction in children younger than 3.

The annual IS incidence for infants < 1 year in Germany calculated with the CRC es- timate in Germany was 61.7 / 100 000 (95 % CI: 54.5 – 70.1). However, the incidence appeared to vary by month of age over a range of 19.2 / 100 000 cases (95 % CI: 12.5 – 30.4) in the fi rst 3 months of life to 98.5 / 100 000 cases (95 % CI: 80.9 – 120.6) during the 6 th to 8 th month. The male to female ratio for infants was 1.7:1 (95 % CI: 1.6 – 1.8). The average incidence estimate for IS in infants ( < 1 year) con fi rms previous es- timates in Germany and Switzerland. However, age speci fi c baseline incidence estimates for IS substantially vary during the fi rst year of life. This has to be taken into account when analysing episodes of IS potentially associated with RV vac- cination.

An enema is the first step in treatment. In fact, an enema that is used to diagnose intussusception may also help to treat it. Pressure from the air or fluid may cause the intestine to correct itself. The result of an enema treatment might not last, so patients usually stay in the hospital overnight for observation. Surgery is another treatment option. Intussusception surgery involves either a large incision or a small incision and a camera. This is called laparoscopic surgery. The type of surgery depends on the location and severity of the obstruction. Intussusception surgery may include removal of the affected section of intestine.